Cricket as a gentleman’s game has witnessed some lovely moments of respect and chivalry. Cricketers have selflessly engaged in acts of kindness on and off-field, towards fans and fellow mates. Such warm gestures make people love the sport of cricket and the dedicated players that participate in ideal cricketing.
Some of these heartwarming moments can be seen in the current Indian skipper’s remarkable career. Virat has not only made an ideal brand of leadership but has also demonstrated respect and empathy at every step. The 5 most loved gestures by the Delhi batsman can be listed as-
1) “A big thank you” to all the RCB fans –
After a match-winning performance against Delhi Daredevils on May 14, 2017, Virat dedicated his Man of the Match award to his fans who supported the RCB captain all through his disappointing season as a batsman and as a leader of the team. The bottom-ranked Bangalore team defeated Delhi Daredevils by 10 runs at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in their last match. Kohli has scored a well-paced half-century which helped his side to cross the line.
Virat took on the stage only to thank all the Bangalore fans and promise them a better season next year.
2) When he offered a hand to Morne Morkel –
While facing India early in 2018, Morne Morkel in the 22nd over, bowled a quick short ball towards the Indian skipper’s ribs which led to a mistimed flick. The ball hung in the air for a fraction second owing to the leading edge. Morne tried to dive and catch the ball in order to get an upper hand over the batsman but fell down instead.
Virat took no time to offer a hand and appreciate the bowler’s efforts. This was one rare moment in the two team’s ruthless rivalry.
3) Encouraged Hanuma during the West Indies tour –
In an interview with the Times of India Hanuma Vihari said, “After we won the series, he (Virat Kohli) came straight to me and said ‘hold it’ and hugged me. He was kind enough to give me the trophy and I was very happy to hold the winning trophy.”
Hanuma had a glorious outing when he scored 32, 93, 111 and 53* in the four innings of the two tests. Vihari was the top run-scorer in the series as India completed a whitewash against Jason Holder’s team.
4) Greetings to an 87-year-old fan –
India’s 2019 World Cup campaign was a special one. Even though Virat’s team lost to the Kiwi’s in the semi-finals, they didn’t fail to create delightful moments. One of these moments was when the skipper along with Rohit Sharma greeted an 87-year-old fan, Mrs. Charulata Patel, who was seen cheering for the team at Edgbaston.
Virat Kohli captioned the pictures in a sweet way, “Also would like to thank all our fans for all the love and support and especially Charulata Patel Ji. She’s 87 and probably one of the most passionate and dedicated fans I’ve ever seen. Age is just a number, passion takes you leaps & bounds. With her blessings, on to the next one.”
5) No boos for Steve Smith –
While India locked horns with the 5-time champions Australia during the 2019 World Cup, Kohli was seen asking the fans to applaud for the Australian batsman. Steve was making a comeback after the suspension owing to the ball-tampering incident and the spectators at Oval didn’t stop teasing the former Aussie skipper but Virat took no time in silencing the crowd and asking them to respect Smith. This gesture than was appreciated by Steve when he jogged towards the Indian captain and shook hands.
